Power of Attorney

The purpose of a power of attorney is to give the person you designate (your “agent”) broad powers to handle your property, which may include powers to sell or otherwise dispose of any real or personal property without advance notice to you or approval by you.This power of attorney does not impose a duty on your agent to exercise granted powers, but when powers are exercised, your agent must use due care to act for your benefit in accordance with your power of attorney.

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Your agent may exercise the powers given through your lifetime whenever you designate (before or after you become incapacitated), unless you expressly limit the duration of these powers, or you revoke these powers, or a court acting on your behalf terminates your agent’s authority. It can be a useful tool, but in the wrong hands, dangerous.

At Sykes Elder Law, we advise our Pittsburgh clients on what form of power of attorney is best for their needs and the needs of their family. We take care to draft a power of attorney that suits your circumstances and wishes, and work with you to help ensure its proper implementation.

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